Dying singer Ray Price sends farewell message to fans

Associated Press

Updated 5:24 pm, Thursday, December 12, 2013

TYLER — Entering what his wife calls his "final days," country music star Ray Price is ending all aggressive treatment for his pancreatic cancer and left an East Texas hospital on Thursday to begin receiving hospice care at home.

Price was discharged from the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, where he had been in and out in recent months as he was treated for the cancer and its complications, according to a hospital statement. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011 and it has recently spread to his liver, intestines and now his lungs, the hospital said.

"Ray is alert and aware of his surroundings and making decisions," Janie Price, his wife of 45 years, said in the hospital statement. "With God's blessing he has not had extreme pain. But it's with great sadness that I announce to you today that my beloved husband has entered the final stages of his cancer that he has battled for 25 months."

The 87-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame laureate will stay at his ranch near Mount Pleasant, about 60 miles north of Tyler and about 110 miles northeast of Dallas.

"Anyone who knows Ray is aware that he has strong convictions and great faith in God. It's his decision to leave the hospital and return home to spend his final days on his beloved ranch surrounded by the comfort of his home, family and friends," his wife said.

Photo: KAMENKO PAJIC, AP

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Price continued to tour well into his late 80s.

Price continued to tour well into his late 80s.

Photo: KAMENKO PAJIC, AP

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Country music legend Ray Price was one of the featured entertainers in Austin.

Country music legend Ray Price was one of the featured entertainers in Austin.

Photo: Unknown, Unknown C

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Price in 1997.

Price in 1997.

Photo: Paul S. Howell, Houston Chronicle

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Price performed at the Texas Prison Rodeo in Huntsville.

Price performed at the Texas Prison Rodeo in Huntsville.

Photo: Tom Colburn, Houston Chronicle

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Price at his property in Mount Pleasant in 2008.

Price at his property in Mount Pleasant in 2008.

Photo: Brandon Wade, For The Chronicle

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His wife, Janie, said on Facebook he suffered from sepsis, a bacteria infection.

His wife, Janie, said on Facebook he suffered from sepsis, a bacteria infection.

Ray Price performs at Willie Nelson's annual Family Picnic in Houston in 2008.

Ray Price performs at Willie Nelson's annual Family Picnic in Houston in 2008.

Photo: Eric Kayne, Houston Chronicle

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Ed and Monica Loya of Cypress dance to Price at the picnic.

Ed and Monica Loya of Cypress dance to Price at the picnic.

Photo: Eric Kayne, Houston Chronicle

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Price at the picnic.

Price at the picnic.

Photo: Eric Kayne, Houston Chronicle

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Ray Price -- Grand Ole Opry Star
1958

Ray Price -- Grand Ole Opry Star
1958

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Price served as a Marine during World War II.

Price served as a Marine during World War II.

Photo: Dimension Records

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Dying singer Ray Price sends farewell message to fans

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Janie Price also relayed what she called her husband's "final message" to his fans: "I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years, and I hope I haven't let them down. I am at peace. I love Jesus. I'm going to be just fine. Don't worry about me. I'll see you again one day."

Price began his career in the 1950s as a honkytonk singer with such hits as Crazy Arms and Heartaches by the Number. Later, he moved in a pop direction with orchestration on hits such as Danny Boy and For the Good Times. He performed his last show in May.